On September 5, 2024, the Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after Safi Utebaev hosted a facilitation session aimed at identifying the key technological challenges in the oil and gas industry. Over 100 industry experts attended the session.

The Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) was represented by Academician and Professor Saule Aidarova, Director of the "One Belt, One Road" Petroleum Engineering Institute, and Aliya Temirkhan, Project Manager of "Zhas Galym" and Chief Manager of the "One Belt, One Road" PEI.

The main theme of the facilitation session was the integration of science and industry for the development of oil extraction. The event, which involved representatives from leading universities, research institutes, technological and oil service companies, was organized through the joint efforts of the Center for Scientific and Technological Initiatives "Samgau," Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after S. Utebaev, JSC "Embamunaigas," and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In the session, AО "Embamunaigas" proposed fifteen technological challenges, including the development of high-viscosity oil reservoirs, low profitability of mature fields, low efficiency of repair and insulation work, water treatment and preparation for injection/pressure maintenance (PPD), among others.

During the discussion, KBTU researchers proposed innovative methods and technologies for enhancing oil recovery, water treatment, and preparation for injection/PPD. These developments will continue through research and development (R&D) projects funded by resource users and government grant programs.